A UNESCO award-winning heritage building with proven acoustics and modern heating, lighting and sound. Built as a hall for Canterbury College (now the University of Canterbury), the Great Hall has been strengthened and restored post-earthquake. The large, north-facing stained glass Memorial Window was originally installed in 1938 and is comprised of 4,000 individual pieces of glass. The window is dedicated to the memory of all staff and students who served in WWI.
Great Hall
Unique heritage setting
IMPORTANT NOTE:
If you submitted an enquiry via the online enquiry form between 19/12/25 - 12/1/26 please get in touch with us by emailing venues@artscentre.org.nz. Regrettably, there was an error with the form during this period, and enquiries were not received.
A truly memorable location
- Wedding
- Performance / concert
- Exhibition
- Gala dinner
- Conference / Lecture
- Corporate event
- Memorial Service
Key features
- Open fireplace
- Large projection screen
- Lighting rig
- Audio system
- Access to a kitchenette/green room
- Beautiful light-filled significant heritage landmark designed by Benjamin Mountfort
- Prime central city location off Worcester Boulevard
- Renowned for excellent acoustics
- Outstanding photo opportunities
- The hall is wheelchair accessible and there is a wheelchair lift available for performers to access the stage
Approved caterers
(listed in alphabetical order)
White Tie Catering | Catering Department (sister companies)
Venue hire
Please get in touch via the enquiry form for hire information, availability and pricing.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Please check your junk inbox/spam filter for our reply as our emails sometimes end up here. If you do not receive a reply within 3-5 business days, please email georgiam@artscentre.org.nz.
Floor plan options
| Layout | Capacity |
| Theatre with aisle (7 seats each side of aisle) | 217 (stage can seat extra 30) |
| 10-seat round tables (13 tables) | 130 (stage can seat extra 20 on 2 tables) |
| 3 rows rectangle tables (18 tables) | 144 (stage can seat extra 16 on 2 tables) |
| Cocktail | 250 people |
| Please note: | These layouts are the maximum capacity and do not factor in room for a dancefloor, bar, caterer's serving tables, sound desk, or any extra furniture. |
